F&BF’s Online Resources 2

SCC Transport Strategy Consultation 2

Face Mask Exemption Cards 3

Interfaith Cricket Match 3

Interfaith Buddies 3

Mental Health Survey 4

Approaching a New Year 4

Interfaith Week 2020 4

EMF AGM 5

SFI Kick Start Scheme 5

Positive Behavior Support Helpline 5

Funding Opportunities 6

Online Events / Information/ Resources

7

September 2020

www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk

“Charity is the greatest virtue.”

(The Talmud)

The Government have announced further measurers to control the virus from

spreading just yesterday, which you can read below.

Interfaith Forums are starting to hold events online, some of which you can

read about in this newsletter and some which are planned for Interfaith Week

this year.

Have you ever thought about being an Interfaith Buddy? Read about it on page

3 of this newsletter.

Kawther Hashmi

Faith Links Adviser

E: Kawther.Hashmi@cofeguildford.org.uk

T: 07552 845688| W: www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk

Main Faith Festivals in October 2020

1: Jashn-e-Mehergan (Zoroastrian) 1: Pavarana Day (Buddhist) 2: Gandhi Jayanti (Hindu) 3-9: Sukkot (Jewish) 11: Simchat Torah (Jewish) 17: Navarati (Hindu) 18: Birth of the Bab (Baha’i) 19: Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) 20: Conferring of Guruship (Sikh) 29: Mawlid An Nabi (Muslim) 30: Anapanasati Day (Buddhist)

Inside this issue:

Any views and comments expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of

the Diocese of Guildford or the Communities Engagement Team (CET).

Guidance updates following the change in law for the ‘rule of six’

On Monday 14th September, the Government announced that it is now against

the law to gather in groups of more than six people, unless you are covered by an

exemption.

The emphasis of these changes is that everyone, at all times, needs to limit social

contact as much as possible in light of the daily case numbers rising rapidly and

across the country.

But it is important to note the rule of six does not impact significantly on

communal worship. There can be more than six people undertaking communal

worship, prayer or study, or informal support groups, provided that people do not

mingle outside of a group of six people. The total number of people attending

worship is still limited by how many people can socially distance within the venue.

Everyone should continue to practise social distancing when mixing with people

P a g e 2 S u r r e y F a i t h L i n k s

www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk

they don’t live with, even within a group of six. For more information about this guidance please visit:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-

during-the-pandemic-from-4-july

The Government have announced further measures on 22nd September, this includes weddings, which are

restricted to a maximum of 15 people (down from 30). For a detailed list of these new measures, please visit:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-what-has-changed-22-september

Create a coronavirus NHS QR code for your venue

You should create and display a QR code if you are:

• a business, place of worship or community organisation with a physical location that is open to the public

• an event which is taking place in a physical location

For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster

For more information about the NHS Covid-19 app, please visit: https://covid19.nhs.uk/

Wellbeing Guidance in different languages

Doctors of the World, in partnership with Thrive LDN, has produced wellbeing guidance to support migrant

communities during COVID-19.

Titled “Six ways to improve your wellbeing”, the guidance is available in 27 languages: English, Albanian,

Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Bulgarian, Dari, Farsi, Filipino, French, Hindi, Kurdish,

Malayalam, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi India, Punjabi Pakistan, Romanian,

Simplified Chinese, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Urdu and

Vietnamese.

For more information or to access the booklets, please visit:

https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/wellbeing-guidance/

Surrey County Councils Community Transport Strategy - Stakeholder Consultation

TAS has been commissioned to review community transport in Surrey (Dial-a-Ride and community transport)

which enable door-to-door journeys in accessible vehicles. The services are generally for individuals with a

mobility or sensory impairment who find using conventional buses difficult or impossible. They are now

encouraging the public to get involved by answering an online survey found here. For more information

please contact Cassandra Brewer, cassandra.brewer@surreycc.gov.uk

F a i t h & B e l i e f s F o r u m ’ s o n l i n e r e s o u r c e s

F&BF have launched new online resources. As an organisation dedicated to building good relations between

people of different identities, F&BF recognise that the question of how to keep communities connected takes

on a different aspect in these days of limited social contact.

F&BF have therefore developed and enhanced their Resources section:

https://faithbeliefforum.org/resources/

P a g e 3 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 0

S i g h t f o r S u r r e y f a c e m a s k e x e m p t i o n c a r d s

For people who are Deaf or with hearing loss and use lip reading wearing of a face

mask can have devastating consequences leaving them unable to understand and

communicate with people around them.

Sight for Surrey has designed a series of exemption cards that give an explanation of

why an individual is not wearing a mask that can be printed off and worn or

displayed.

The exemption cards can be downloaded for free from https://sightforsurrey.org.uk/news/face-mask-

exemption-cards/ or contact our Helpdesk on 01372 377701 Email: info@sensoryservices.org.uk Skype:

sensoryservices FaceTime: dutysw@sensoryservices.org.uk or SMS 07860 026 269

I n t e r f a i t h C r i c k e t M a t c h

With most events now being held virtually, this was one that Woking People of Faith managed to organise ‘physically’ while adhering to guidance from the Government at the time. The interfaith cricket match was held on Saturday 12th September (a great way to mark the end of the cricket season) at the Puttenham Cricket Club ground.

The teams were mixed with Muslim, Christian and Hindu players. The weather was perfect and there were a few spectators - families of the players all social distancing!

Imam Hashmi (Head Imam of Shah Jahan Mosque) who is a cricketer himself, introduced Woking People of Faith before the match started. Everyone enjoyed a pre-packed meal during the break and an opportunity to chat.

Simon Trick (Chair, Woking People of Faith) concluded by thanking everyone.

It is hoped that this will become an annual event for Woking People of Faith.

For more information about Woking People of Faith please visit: www.wpof.org.uk

I n t e r f a i t h B u d d i e s

The scheme involves two people of different faiths or of a faith and of a non-religious belief:

• keeping in touch on a weekly basis during September and October.

• choosing or developing questions on which to share their thoughts and experiences; and

• during Inter Faith Week, sharing online or at a socially distanced event, in an agreed way, some reflections

on what they have gained from this.

If you would like to be a buddy or would like more information, please get in touch:

Kawther.Hashmi@cofeguildford.org.uk or M: 07878 444855

P a g e 4 S u r r e y F a i t h L i n k s

www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk

Survey by the Independent Mental Health Network and Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum

The purpose of the survey is to gain understanding of what barriers exist to adults in BAME communities

accessing the current provision (including the virtual offer). To understand what support or services people in

these communities would like to see put in place or expanded and to gain a sense of how COVID-19 has

impacted the Mental Health of BAME communities.

The online survey is anonymous and available in different languages:

English Survey

Nepali Translation of the Survey

Bengali Translation of the Survey

Urdu Translation of the Survey

A p p r o a c h i n g a N e w Y e a r

On 19 September, Jews throughout the world marked the start of the year 5781. I say “mark” rather than

“celebrate”, because in Jewish tradition the celebration comes three weeks later when the annual cycle of

reading the Old Testament – the Torah – is completed and the new cycle starts. The period running up to the

New Year is for reflection rather than celebration in three ways summarized in three Hebrew words.

Teshuvah – literally “returning” – to ourselves, to God and to those around us. We promise to learn from our

mistakes and to put them right where we can so that we can begin the New Year with a clean slate.

Tefillah – prayer, when we have an honest conversation with God about our innermost thoughts, wishes and

resolutions. This helps us understand, review and renew our motivations and weaknesses.

*Tzedakah – justice. For Jews, there is a sacred obligation to combine our individual acts of justice to others

into a communal act which is both powerful and generous. This is an integral part of how we can heal and re-

pair the world – Tikkun Olam.

So, as we say to each other the traditional New Year greeting – “L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu” [May you be in-

scribed for a good year], we do so with #solemnity, as well as humanity and joy.

Philip Goldenberg (Woking People of Faith)

I n t e r F a i t h W e e k 2 0 2 0 - c o m i n g s o o n !

National Inter Faith Week runs from Sunday 8 – Sunday 15 November this year.

At this time of COVID-19, the Week is a great way to sustain and build connections

and to highlight and celebrate work to promote respect, understanding and

cooperation and celebrate diversity, inclusion and common values.

The Inter Faith Week website, www.interfaithweek.org, contains many ideas for

online activities:

https://www.interfaithweek.org/resources/online-activity-ideas

P a g e 5 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 0

E M F A G M

Elmbridge Multi Faith Forum held their AGM on zoom on Tuesday 15th September.

After the formal business (Chair’s report, Secretary’s report, Treasurer’s report, appointment of committee members), Paul Nanji from Elmbridge Borough Council spoke about a new Physical Activity Strategy, which is being developed.

There was a discussion about how EMF can get involved, some examples included interfaith walks, virtual tours, collecting photos from people during Covid-19.

The AGM was concluded with the Mayor of Elmbridge, Councillor Mary Sheldon who thanked EMF for their commitment and work.

S F I K i c k s t a r t S c h e m e

The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create new 6-month job placements for young people

who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

Funding will cover:

• 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week

• the employer National Insurance contributions

• employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions

• £1,500 per placement for employer's support costs

Each eligible employer may apply to join the scheme and have young people placed with them. However,

either they have a minimum of 30 job placements or apply through a representative body. That's where we

come in by offering to be the representative body for faith institutions; we will provide support to the young

people who come through us and are placed with the faith institutions.

Contact Shakil at 07505 900490 or shakil@sfitogether.org.uk to register your interest.

N e w P o s i t i v e B e h a v i o u r S u p p o r t H e l p l i n e

Bild is now offering a free Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) helpline to support families and carers of people

with learning disabilities, mental health issues or autistic people with the challenges of living with COVID-19

restrictions.

Supporters, carers and family members might want to discuss how they are doing, to gain reassurance that

they are doing the right thing, or they might want to talk through some ideas and get some practical sugges-

tions. The overall aim of PBS is to improve the quality of a person’s life and that of the people around them.

PBS is especially appropriate when someone is distressed or if their behaviour is concerning or challenging.

For more information:

https://www.bild.org.uk/new-pbs-helpline-offer-for-families-and-carers-during-covid-19/

P a g e 6 S u r r e y F a i t h L i n k s

www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk

F U N D I N G O P P O R T U N I T I E S

VCSE health and wellbeing fund applications 2020 to 2021

Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations can apply for funding to run projects focused

on starting well in life.

Projects must:

• have run for at least 3 years

• develop or expand services for children from preconception to 2-and-a-half years old, so they receive the

best possible start in life

• be focused on improving health outcomes in black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities or

areas of high deprivation (including urban, rural and coastal areas)

The deadline for applications is midday on Friday 30 October 2020

For more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vcse-health-and-wellbeing-fund-

applications-2020-to-2021

Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund

To help VCS organisations based in England continue to provide mental health services – or provide additional

support – organisations can apply for a Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund (CMHRF) grant.

Thanks to £5m support from government (the Department of Health and Social Care), grants of £20,000 or

£50,000 are available for projects lasting up to 12 months.

For more information please visit:

https://www.faithaction.net/news/2020/04/23/coronavirus-mental-health-response-fund/

Adult Social Care Supportive Communities Fund

Adult Social Care will be awarding one-off grants of up to £1,500 per successful applicant for creative and

innovative community projects that promote Surrey’s community vision.

We are particularly interested in projects which address the following issues:

• Strengthening and sustaining local community-led support groups and networks. This could include things

such as training, equipment, set-up costs or technology that would help a community group become more

resilient and able to support their community safely now, and in the future.

• Reducing social isolation and helping people safely re-connect with their communities. This could include

such things as increasing confidence amongst vulnerable residents to get safely back out of their homes,

training around PPE and other practical safety guidance for using community spaces, purchasing adaptations

or safety measures for community activities that would enable them to start running again.

• Increasing digital inclusion. This could include technology to facilitate inclusion and socialising, as well as

practical approaches to increase skills and confidence around things such as online shopping, banking or other

services.

Deadline date for applications is 23rd October 2020.For more information and to apply please visit:

https://www.surreyinformationpoint.org.uk/Information/SCF

P a g e 7 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 0

S h i n n y o L a n t e r n F l o a t i n g F e s t i v a l

This year's Shinnyo Lantern Floating Festival will be taking a slightly

different format to previous years. The grounds of Shinnyo-en Buddhist

Centre will be open between 19th – 26th September 2020, for you to

create and float your own lanterns on the lake, and enjoy a moment of

contemplation in the tranquil gardens.

There is also an online alternative for those who might not be able to visit in person.

For further information about how to attend and participate, please see the "Participate in Person" and

"Participate Online" sections of our event page: https://www.shinnyoenuk.org/lantern-floating-2020

L i v e S t r e a m i n g o f R e l i g i o u s S e r v i c e s :

A Church Near you: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/live-stream/?tags=Live_stream

Diocese of Arundel and Brighton: https://www.dabnet.org/

Surrey Muslim Association: http://www.surreymuslims.org/Resources/

Join Wat Phra Dhammakaya Buddhist Temple in daily meditation: https://www.facebook.com/

DMCtvLondon/

E n v i r o n m e n t a l W o r k i n g P a r t y

Woking People of Faith are hoping to run an Environmental Working Party on Horsell Common on Saturday

the 26th September from 10am until 12 noon.

We will be following Covid-19 procedures and even though we will be outside, everyone will be expected to

stay 2 metres apart. People should bring their own refreshments, masks, gloves and boots. The tools will be

sanitised beforehand but sanitiser and bottles of water will be provided so that you can sanitise your hands

and then wash them in the water, which will be shop bought and therefore clean and sterile.

To begin with, people will be asked to wear masks when we are just gathering and then take them off whilst

we are working.

As usual, we will only be told which area we will be working in nearer the time. But even with these

precautions in place, it will be a good event as always.

So if you are interested in coming along to help save the heather on Horsell Common and all that means for

bio-diversity, please email: administrator@wpof.org.uk

S o c i a l V a l u e M a r k e t p l a c e

Have you registered your organisation on Surrey County Council’s Social Market Pace yet? This platform is

designed to help connect business to the voluntary sector. It encourages the drive towards the use of

business’ corporate social responsibility (CSR), matching and connecting their CSR offers with requests from

the voluntary sector.

P a g e 8

K e e p i n g C h i l d r e n S a f e w i t h i n F a i t h S e t t i n g s D u r i n g C o v i d - 1 9 Strengthening Faith Institutions (SFI) recognises that during the Covid-19 pandemic the safeguarding of children, staff, and volunteers within faith institutions remains a priority for everyone. In light of the current situation as a result of the Coronavirus, SFI is working with faith institutions and out-of-school settings to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading of the virus to children, young people, staff, volunteers and their families. The conference will bring together faith institutions, voluntary, community and faith leaders, volunteers, tutors and parents to explore many areas including: some of the current Covid-19 challenges; safeguarding children and young people; developing effective organisations, and identifying what is helping and what is hindering their work; lessons learnt on individual journeys of improvement; what more is needed to be done to keeping children safe. Wednesday 14th October 10am – 11:30am (Keynote Speakers) 12pm – 4pm (Workshops) For more information or to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIod-2oqDkjEtJrNg0oEKAoWNzL7ZJHECPK

www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk

S u r r e y F a i t h L i n k s

F r e e O n l i n e L e a r n i n g

How to teach online, free course: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/teach-online

National Emergency Library: https://archive.org/details/nationalemergencylibrary

Free online courses from top Universities: https://www.classcentral.com/

Free learning from the Open University: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue

W o k i n g D e b a t e s o n Z o o m

Is it time to reverse privatisation? Saturday 3rd October

Should we all become vegan? Saturday 11th November

Debates time: 11.00 am—12.30 pm

For joining details, please contact Keith Scott: keithsc_2000@yahoo.com or 01483 824980

For more information please visit: www.wokingdebates.com and/or follow on Facebook

S e e d s o f H o p e i n U n c e r t a i n T i m e s

3rd - 10th October 2020

The Festival is online this year with Festival at Home Packs for people without access to the internet.

For a list of the programme and more information please visit: www.epsommentalhealthweek.org.uk

P a g e 9 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 0

W h a t a r e r e l i g i o n s d o i n g a b o u t r a c e i n e q u a l i t y ?

Woking People of Faith are holding this event during Interfaith Week on zoom on Thursday 12th November at

7.00 pm—8.30 pm.

Speakers include:

Donovan Blair—personal experiences

Rabbi Danny Rich—Jewish perspective

Tanya Williams —Muslim perspective

Rev Paul Davies—Christian perspective

Mandisa Taylor—Baha'i perspective

Hindu speaker TBA

To join on zoom please email: administrator@wpof.org.uk

R e l i g i o n s d u r i n g C o v i d - 1 9 : S p i r i t u a l a n d P r a c t i c a l

Elmbridge Multi Faith Forum are holding an online event during Interfaith Week to hear

from different faith perspectives on how they have coped during this time. Speakers from

the following religions expected and will be confirmed by the next newsletter: Christian,

Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu.

Tuesday 10th November, 7.30 pm on zoom

M e n t a l H e a l t h a n d W e l l b e i n g i n C h a l l e n g i n g T i m e s

Guildford and Godalming Interfaith Forum are holding an online Interfaith Service this year on

zoom.

There will be a devotional contribution followed by a short talk on the topic from the following

faiths: Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism and Baha’i

Sunday 15th November at 3.00 pm GGIFF

W e e k o f P r a y e r f o r W o r l d P e a c e

The Week of Prayer for World Peace was started as a Christian initiative in 1974. It soon became an interfaith

activity, and now welcomes everyone, of all faith traditions or none. It takes place between the second and

third Sunday in October, this year from 11-18 October.

Each year a booklet is published with prayers for each day on a different theme of peace. The prayers are

short and from different faiths. Themes for the day this year are peace education; non-violence; the United

Nations; remembering the end of World War 2; the coronavirus pandemic; environment and security;

Leadership for Reconciliation and Peacemakers.

There is an interfaith gathering to launch the week which will be on zoom on Sunday 11 October at 3.30pm.

Please take a look at the website https://weekofprayerforworldpeace.co.uk/

You can order copies of the leaflet there.

Surrey Faith Links, Diocese of Guildford

Church House Guildford, 20 Alan Turing Road, Guildford, GU2 7YF

T: 07552 845688, E: Kawther.Hashmi@cofeguildford.org.uk

W: www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk